Tasers and Stun Guns: Viable Defense for Women?
While attacks on people do occur on men, women are the most vulnerable as they are usually not as strong. Of
course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but overall, women are weaker than men when it comes to being
attacked. Enrollment for self defense classes for women is on the rise because crime against a person is on the
rise. With that increased figure comes an increase in the sale of personal defense devices such as mace, tasers and
stun guns.
Stun guns are battery operated devices which can be held in the palm of your hand and can be used to convey an
electrical shock when used against someone attacking you. These electronic gadgets are not gun sin a conventional
sense as you do not load bullets or anything else other than batteries on occasion. Instead, a stun gun employs two
contacts made from metal that have to be held against your attacker as your hand depresses a button to deliver the
electrical charge.
Tasers are also battery operated devices that deliver a charge to the attacker in the hopes of temporarily
detaining them so that you can get away. However, with tasers, they launch two barbs made from metal over a
distance. They work well over just a few yards but any further, they are not effective. The metal barbs are
attached to the electronic device by wires and are supposed to become attached to an attacker when aimed at
them.
The effect of both stun guns and tasers are controversial to a point as they do not always subdue an attacker. They
work by delivering an electrical charge that is supposed to interrupt the regular function of the neuromuscular
system, causing loss of control in the muscles as well as pain and extreme fatigue. Unfortunately, prolonged
contact with the stun gun and taser is needed to effectively work, especially on larger attackers who can work
through the pain of the electrical shock delivered by the metal barbs or prongs.
Because tasers and stun guns are not 100% effective in an attack, they are not normally recommended for women as a
reliable form of self defense. In fact, many reports have shown that the attacker can easily take over the
situation and get possession of the electronic devices and use them against the women who own them. In other words,
the very devices that are made to protect the women against an attacker can be used against them. Therefore, if a
female plans to carry a stun gun or taser anyway, they need to be well-versed in its operation as well as self
defense moves so that the device is not appropriated by force and used against them.
Of course, stun guns and tasers may be a moot point for some women as they are restricted in its use and ownership
in some states across the country. Therefore, if these devices are still be considered as a potential self defense
tool, ladies need to research the laws regarding ownership and use of them in their state. Plus, if they travel
across state lines or even fly, they must be well-versed in the laws in the places they visit as well.
All in all, both self defense instructors and law enforcement agree that stun guns and tasers may be of use as a
back-up but women should not solely rely on them to make a significant impact in subduing an attacker. Many tests
show that you would have to have prolonged continuous contact in order for the stunning effect to be effective
which means staying up close and personal with the attacker. And if the attacker is one of those individuals that
are not particularly affected by the shock produced by the stun gun or taser (think high on drugs), you are in a
world of trouble. While they may be great tools to have, women should not place their life on the line by depending
on them. Depend on yourself and become well versed in self-defense moves rather than tools.
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